EPISCOPAL FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6239, 11 June 1890, Page 3

EPISCOPAL FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

TO THE EDXTOB. Sib, —It ia to be hoped the report was exaggerated from which “Oivis” culled the sentences attributed to Bishop Julius. If they were really uttered by the head of the Anglican Church of Canterbury, it is evident he ia “ playing to the pit and gallery ”in a deplorably low style. As a member of one of those bodies known as “ dissenting ” in England, I can readily imagine the scorn with which the superior persons of the Anglican communion would greet such vulgarities from one of us. But there is an oldfashioned notion lingering both here and at Home that clergymen of every rank should at least be gentlemen, and such they can certainly be without the least sacrifice of true manliness and sincerity. We must all rejoice in the new Bishop’s broad sympathy, and bis honest outspokenness on all social questions, by means of which let us hope he is destined to do much good in these days of agitation and uncertainty. But many will, like myself, be pained by his attitude towards Y.M.O.As. and towards the temperance cause. Through many difficulties, much reproach, and with scant sympathy from most of the Churches, the promoters of Y.M.O.As. have done a noble and disinterested work. In Dunedin and Wellington the work had to bo, temporarily at any rate, abandoned. In Christchurch and Auckland it is bravely maintained. I unhesitatingly say that a Christian man in a prominent influential position ought to consider long and carefully before dealing such an insulting and injurious blow at the institutions maintained for the benefit of our young men. Applause and popularity of a certain kind may undoubtedly be gained by such a comfortable gospel as that smoking, billiards, and cards, are elements of manliness; but claptrap like this will surely “ make the judicious grieve.” The Bishop knows well, for he has admitted his consciousness of it, that all bis words and ways are being watched with special interest; but do we see any sign of care, deliberation, and a duo weighing of responsibility ? It seems to mo he is exhibiting “the black stocking” recklessly; and this is all the more distressing to many of us because there are a breezy freshness and a healthy realness about the man that make us feel we could learn to love him. I am, &c., E. Dhhant Cecil.